City of Suffolk Virginia to Consider Rifle Regulations

City of Suffolk Virginia to Consider Rifle RegulationsReviewed by Ammoland on Sep 1Rating:

City of Suffolk Virginia to Consider Rifle Regulations

Virginia Shooting Sports Association

Suffolk, VA --(AmmoLand.com)- On September 2, 2009, the Suffolk City Council will meet. On the agenda is discussion of new regulations related to discharge of a rifle.

Prior to this year, the use of rifles was prohibited in the western portion of the city, but allowed under certain circumstances in the eastern portion of the city.

According to the Suffolk News-Hearld, the two halves are separated by the “Dismal Swamp line,” which starts at the intersection of Desert Road and the state line and goes northbound on Desert Road, through downtown and along Route 10 to the Isle of Wight County line.

Hunting with rifles east of the swamp line is allowed during hunting season as long as the hunter is on a stand at least 15 feet above the ground. It is not, however, allowed anywhere in the city within 100 yards of any structure used as a residence, business or storage facility without the permission of the owner; within 100 yards of any public street, except at a permitted firing range; or in a densely populated area.

Early this year, Suffolk petitioned the game department to allow the city to make its own regulations regarding rifles. The department agreed, but did not take up the issue of the exception east of the swamp line.

The city could have more in-depth talks with the department on that issue next year, but it has been recommended that the council enact an ordinance similar to last year’s before hunting season starts. A youth deer-hunting day is scheduled for Sept. 26, and hunting season starts soon after, so council should put new regulations in place before then.

The Council is seeking the input of residents, farmers, hunt clubs and other interested people before creating the more comprehensive ordinance.

If you live and/or hunt in Suffolk, it is recommended that you attend this important meeting and make your voice heard.

About:
The Virginia Shooting Sports Association (VSSA) was originally founded as the Virginia State Rifle and Revolver Association in 1938. VSSA is the official state association of the National Rifle Association. VSSA is also closely affiliated with the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP), Virginia Outdoor Sports Information Network (VOSIN), National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), Virginia Gun Collectors Association, and the Virginia Wildlife Federation (VWF).